Sermons on Smart Goals:

You Can Have A Happy Family

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 9, 2015

Happiness is not the goal of the gospel of Jesus Christ for our lives, even though that is one of the benefits of salvation. Instead, we find in the Bible that obedience to God must always take precedence over “the fleeting pleasures of sin."

November 27, 2004 Title: You Can Have a Happy Family Text: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Scripture Reading: 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

Our Inheritance Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 19, 2015

1) The Ground (Ephesians 1:11–13a), 2) The Guarantee (Ephesians 1:13b–14a), and 3) The Goal of our incomparable inheritance in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:14b).

History is rife with stories of murder, extortion and robbery by siblings taking family possessions by force. They rationalize that they either deserve it or will eventually inherit it, so why not take it now? They imagine what they can do with the money and possessions to achieve their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-14

Denomination: Other

How To Tell A Horse From A Cow Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 13, 2018

Christians need to be of one mind and one love. But too often we're so focused on ourselves that we can't reach that goal. So how do we change our self-centered way of thinking?

OPENING: A city boy had never been on a farm before and he asked a farmer: “Mister, why doesn’t this cow have any horns?” The farmer cocked his head for a moment, then began in a patient tone, “Well, cattle can do a powerful lot of damage with their horns. Sometimes we keep ’em trimmed down with a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Introduction To The Book Of Ruth Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jun 19, 2013

A basic intro to Ruth, discussing its biblical and historical setting, basic story line, theme, author, date, outline, major and minor characters, location and basic teachings with a concluding discussion question about participant goals for the study.

Introduction to the Book of Ruth Series: Ruth June 16, 2013 NOTE: If you would like to have the formatted student study sheet that goes along with this week’s intro study with a helpful chart and a color map, write and request it at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Ruth 1:1-5 – ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Abiding In Christ Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

The ultimate goal of every believer should be Christ-likeness. The closer we walk with Him, growing in grace, the more like Him we become. In order to live victorious, fulfilling Christian lives, we must abide in Christ.

Abiding in Christ 1 John 3: 18-24 Living a Christian life requires much more than church attendance during weekly services. Being known as a Christian is literally to be known as a follower of Christ, one who strives to live life as Christ lived. Being a Christian isn’t merely ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Presence Of God Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

It is love that longs to experience all that can be experienced of the presence of God within time. The ideal of both the Old Testament and the New Testament is to enter the presence of God to the highest degree possible. The ultimate goal being to be in His objective presence.

A four year old attended a prayer meeting with his parents, and that night when he knelt to say his prayers before going to bed he prayed, "Dear Lord, we had a good time at church tonight. I wish you could have been there." The child was not critical of the church as being godless, he ...read more

Fruit Is Success Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 6, 2021

Fruit is what we give back to God for the gift of salvation. Salvation is what we accept from God, but fruit is what we achieve for God. Salvation is a gift from God, but fruit is a goal we reach for God.

Two young brothers, Nathaniel and John Chapman, entered the Black Bear Tavern, the largest building in Pittsburgh back in 1788. They were looking for a place to sleep in this little village on the Western Frontier. All of the rooms were filled, so they had to sleep on the floor in the corner of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:8

Fruitful Frustration Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

To be human is to experience frustration. It is not sinful to be frustrated, for Jesus was sinless, but He did not escape frustration. He may have had more than His share even, for the more ideals and goals you have, the more you will be frustrated.

Joe Bayly had a change to stay in the luxurious Hilton Hotel in Chicago. It was going to be a treat of a retreat, but then he was hit again by the x-factor. That is what he calls Murphy's Law-the law that says, if anything can go wrong it will. The hot water in his room would not work. He was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

The Approachable God Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

To find the Child-that was the goal. Anything that takes us off the path that leads to Christ is not part of God's plan. The job of the angels and the star was finished when the shepherds and the wise men bowed before the Christ-child.

Lucy is expounding on the meaning of Christmas and she says, "this is the time of the year that we show kindness and good will, when we accept others and welcome them into our home." Charlie Brown says, "why can't we be kind and accepting all through the year and not just at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Passing Through Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Aug 8, 2021

The "crisis" at the border is not a Republican or Democrat problem, a conservative or liberal, progressive or libertarian problem … it is a “human” problem … and my goal today is to get you to stop thinking of this as a political issue and start looking at it from a Christian perspective.

Since this service started, 60 immigrants have showed up at our southern border. By the end of this service, 190 more will have joined them. Roughly 250 people show up at our southern border every day in the hopes of either legally or illegally entering our country. We have a big problem. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 17:26-27, Acts 10:34-35, Revelation 7:9-10

Denomination: United Methodist

He Is My Refuge Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 11, 2020

To hope is be human. Our problem is not the absence or lack of hope but what we put our hope in. The goal of this sermon series that I’m doing is to take you on a journey through a book filled with hope. That book is the … the Bible!

Some of us … [clear throat] … are old enough to remember this song. It goes like this [start song]: “The next time you’re found with your chin on the ground… “There’s a lot to be learned … so look around. “Just what makes that little old ant think He’ll move that rubber tree plant? Anyone knows ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20, Genesis 22:11, Genesis 22:18, Hebrews 11:9-10

Denomination: United Methodist

Being Independent Together

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 1, 2021

Being independent of this world while being dependent upon God is a Christian's life's goal? This idea is similar to the thoughts which led to the thirteen U.S. colonies declaring their independence from Britain.

Being Independent Together Scripture: John 8:36; Exodus 1:11a; 3:7-8; Romans 12:2 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Today, in the United States, we are celebrating the Fourth of July holiday. Independence Day (July 4th), is a U.S. federal ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36, Amos 3:3, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parable Of The Shrewd Manager: Are You Using Your Time, Talents, And Treasure Toward God's Kingdom? Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jul 20, 2022

How do you invest your time? How do you invest your money? What is of value to you? What do you consider pointless? What is your goal? What is the mission statement of your life?

"Charles Francis Adams, 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Guiding Light: Finding My Purpose!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 3, 2024

I have been a pastor 45 years... I am sad to say as a whole few know their spiritual purpose. If we do not know our purpose how will we ever accomplish God's goals?

THE GUIDING LIGHT… HOW DO I DEFINE MY PURPOSE? (This is a two part lesson) By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) I use a compass, hourglass, shofar. TODAY’S LESSON HAS SEVERAL MAIN CHARACTERS : *DAVID (The King of Israel); *JOAB (The mighty general); ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2-3, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, James 1:22-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Responding To Persecution Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 8, 2023

Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we respond in a way that facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit, or will we respond in the flesh, pursuing worthy goals in an unworthy manner? Message examines biblical revelation of how to respond.

Intro Persecution: Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we be prepared and equipped to handle it well? These are questions that naturally arise as we read our text today. It’s found in Matthew 5:10--12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, John 3:19-20, 1 Peter 2:1-24, 1 Corinthians 4:11-18, Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:44, 2 Timothy 4:1-6, Matthew 13:1-21, Hebrews 10:26-29, Mark 8:34, 2 Timothy 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic